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CHAP. IX.
The Text.
1 AND the fifth Angel sounded, and I saw a Star [i. e. an 1 Angel or Minister of the Church, Rev. 1.20.] fall [or fallen,] from Heaven unto the Earth [i. e. Apostatized from a Christian Church state, to a worldly Kingdom;] and to him was given [by the Order, and Disposition of events, according to God's all∣wise Disposals;] the Key of the bottomless Pit [i. e. a Satanical Kingdom, and an Antichristian Authority, Rev. 2.24.]
Annotations on CHAP. IX.
1 Here the Papacy is described.
(1.) Because that which appeared, is said to be a Star; which is the Symbol of the Gospel Ministry, Chap. 1.20.
(2.) It is said to be the Star that was fallen from Heaven; which cannot refer to Mahomet, who never had any Place in Heaven; i. e. any Place or Dignity in the Church; or any Dignity at all, from which he might be said to have fal∣len.
(3) This Star is said to have fallen from Heaven to Earth, and then to have a New Dignity bestowed upon him; where∣by it is evident, that the fallen Star, mentioned Chap 8.10. cannot be here understood; because that Star fell upon the Waters, this upon the Earth; and that was a Comet, this a Star, which fell from one Power to another; whereas the o∣ther was in a burning and consuming Condition, bereft of all Power.